Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
